Desert Wildlife

Although at first glance the desert seems to have little in the way of wildlife, it actually contains
large, diverse populations. The desert environment may seem an unlikely place for animals to thrive or even exist.
However, desert animals have adapted to their environment, and each fills an important niche in the desert ecosystem.

Some animals survive only in the Mojave Desert, these are called
endemic species. Some animals live
throughout all the southwestern desert areas and some are merely passing through on a migratory path. Regardless,
whether living permanently in the Mojave, staying only seasonally or flying by, adaptations to the extreme climate and
lack of water must be made. Endemic species usually have
adapted
to these conditions to the highest degree.

Wildlife by Predation

The term prey refers to an animal that is sought, captured, and eaten ...

Wildlife by Diet

Many animals get their water from the food they eat. Green leaves contain
lots of water. The animals that eat only plants, like the
cottontail
and chuckwalla, are called
herbivores. The
body of an animal also contains liquid in its blood and tissues. Animals
that eat only other animals are called
carnivores. The
coyote will eat just
about anything, plant or animal. That's what makes him a master at
desert survival. Animals that eat both plants and other animals are
called omnivores.